Fairfield, NJ – Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab (BLI), the world’s leading independent provider of testing services and analytical information to the document imaging industry, today announced the winners of its coveted Winter 2018 Pick and Outstanding Achievement in Innovation awards in the Scanner category, with the honors going to standout solutions from Alaris (a Kodak Alaris business), Canon, Epson, Fujitsu, and Panasonic. Given twice annually, Pick awards acknowledge the products that gave the best performances in BLI’s extensive suite of lab tests in the previous six months, and Outstanding Achievement awards recognize products or capabilities that stand out for attributes such as innovation, usefulness, or value.

The Alaris S2000 Series was recognized for its intelligent, automated features that help businesses convert their paper-based processes to digital form. “With the S2000 Series, users can easily integrate paper-based information into digital repositories, business process optimization solutions, and big data and analytics platforms, or share it with others,” said Joe Ellerman, Manager of Lab Operations for Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab. “Thanks to preconfigured one-touch profiles, automatic image optimization features, intelligent document processing functionality, and a robust software bundle, scanning can be as simple as loading a batch and pushing a button.”

The Kodak i3300 Scanner provides businesses with fast, reliable, and intelligent light production scanning. “The i3300 was an excellent performer, delivering fast scanning speeds, reliable media handling and batch processing, and a smart feature set built to help accelerate scanning workflows,” said Lee Davis, Editor of Scanners/Software Evaluation for Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab. “Users can program the device to streamline frequently recurring scanning chores while built-in image processing technology automatically optimizes image quality, so users can focus on customer-facing and revenue-generating tasks, rather than configuring and cleaning up scan jobs.”

Keypoint Intelligence recognized the Alaris Passport Flatbed Accessory for its innovative approach to scanning passports and other delicate documents. “With the Alaris Passport FlatbedAccessory, users simply place the passport on the platen, and the device handles the rest,” said Jamie Bsales, Director of Workflow Solutions for Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab. “Since the Alaris Passport Flatbed Accessory can handle exception documents as well as passports, it makes perfect sense for customers who don’t want to invest in a dedicated passport scanner that might see only occasional use. Plus, operators can return a customer’s passport immediately after scanning and don’t have to worry about jamming the device or damaging the passport.”

Canon Provides Fast and Reliable Scanning for the Workgroup

The Canon imageFORMULA DR-M260 combines fast and reliable document scanning with an easy user experience and impressive built-in image enhancement features to help workgroups convert their paper-based processes to digital form. “The Canon imageFORMULA DR-M260 offers some impressive media handling capabilities to keep workers moving. Sensors in the paper path and ejection sites reduce downtime and rescans and ensure that documents aren’t damaged,” noted Ellerman. “The device also leverages a DR processor to handle image processing on the device, so businesses don’t have to sacrifice speed for image quality due to computer limitations.”

Epson: A Mobile Scanner Fit for the Desktop

Keypoint Intelligence analysts were very impressed with the Epson WorkForce DS-320’s portability and versatility. “The Epson WorkForce DS-320 is fast and powerful enough to serve as a low-volume desktop scanner, but compact and lightweight enough to bring on the road,” said Davis. “Users can capture information trapped in paper and share it with others or proliferate it across their core systems from anywhere in the world in near real time.”

Fujitsu’s Network Scanner Offers Top-Notch User Experience

The analysts at Keypoint Intelligence were impressed with how easy it was to capture, process, and deliver paper-based information using the ScanSnap N7100 network scanner. “Users can create custom preconfigured scan profiles to streamline frequently recurring scan chores, and personalize the ScanSnap N7100’s interface so that it displays features and functionalities they use the most,” noted Bsales.

Panasonic’s Cost-Effective Network Scanning Solution

The Panasonic KV-SM110 Network Scanner Solution received an Outstanding Achievement in Innovation award for its unique ability to convert USB-connected desktop scanners into full-blown network scanners. “Thanks to the KV-SSM100, businesses can replace multiple USB-connected desktop scanners with a single device, rather than purchasing a costly new network scanner,” said Davis. “On top of enabling network scanning, the KV-SSM110 also enhances the connected device’s media handling, image processing, and routing capabilities.”

Stay tuned for the announcements of more prestigious awards!

Wednesday, January 24: Copier MFP, Color Printer/MFP and Monochrome Printer/MFP, Scanner, and European Software Solution Line of the Year awards

About Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab

Keypoint Intelligence is a one-stop shop for the digital imaging industry. With our unparalleled tools and unmatched depth of knowledge, we cut through the noise of data to offer clients the unbiased insights and responsive tools they need in those mission-critical moments that define their products and empower their sales.

For over 50 years, Buyers Lab has been the global document imaging industry’s resource for unbiased and reliable information, test data, and competitive selling tools. What started out as a consumer-based publication about office equipment has become an all-encompassing industry resource. Buyers Lab evolves in tandem with the ever-changing landscape of document imaging solutions, constantly updating our methods, expanding our offerings, and tracking cutting-edge developments.

About Buyers Lab Pick Awards

Buyers Lab Picks stand alone in the industry and are hard-earned awards, as they are based on rigorous testing, including an extensive durability assessment and evaluation of key attributes such as usability, image quality, and value. Each product that passes our lab test earns Buyers Lab’s Recommended or Highly Recommended seal and our Certificate of Reliability, with the best performers qualifying as Pick contenders.

About Buyers Lab Outstanding Achievement Awards

Buyers Lab Outstanding Achievement awards acknowledge products or capabilities that stand out for attributes such as innovation, usefulness, or value.